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THEPRESS.NET
FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
SEPTEMBER 3, 2010
Comedy Central alum comes to Cap’s National comedy headliner Mark Pitta will appear at Cap’s Oak Street Bar and Grill in Brentwood on Friday, Sept. 10 at 9 p.m. Pitta springs from the San Francisco comedy scene of the 1980s. “It was the best time to want to be a comedian,” he said. “The clubs created a cooperative nurturing environment almost like a baseball farm system. It got us all ready for Los Angeles when it was time to jump into that scene.” Pitta’s career flourished in LA, highlighted by appearances on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson and later with Jay Leno. Pitta landed a job as host of “Totally Hidden Video” for the FOX network, playing different characters in hidden camera situations. He also hosted “Friday Night Videos” for NBC. Pitta has made guest appearances on “Mad About You” and “Third Rock From the Sun.” For Comedy Central, Pitta has appeared on “Premium Blend,” “The A-List,” Dr. Katz” and “Make Me Laugh.” Pitta wrote and starred in his own sitcom for NBC, but the pilot wasn’t chosen for the fall season. Former NBC Executive Vice
President Warren Littlefield picked a show called “Union Square” instead. It lasted three episodes. Pitta predicts that his show would have lasted at least four. When the word came down that the project wasn’t a go, Pitta magically received a call from the top-rated morning show in the San Francisco Bay Area to be the roving entertainment reporter/host. For five years he brought his unique comic expertise to the man-on-the-street format. A favorite on the comedy club, college and corporate circuit, Pitta has also opened for Chris Issak, Celene Dion, Vanessa Williams, Paul Anka, Kenny Rogers, Olivia Newton John, Smokey Robinson, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Rick Springfield. The prestigious Elan Awards has chosen Pitta as master of ceremonies five times, and Anthony Robbins has employed Pitta to liven up his financial seminars. When not working for money, Pitta lends his time to his favorite charity, The Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. For tickets ($15) to Pitta’s performance at Cap’s, call 925-634-1025.